Are you an advanced swimmer and are interested in sharing your gifts with the community? You can apply to join Milwaukee Recreation's team today!
Milwaukee Recreation has a variety of part-time positions and training courses available with the aquatics department. Train or apply today to become a lifeguard, swim instructor (WSI), competitive swim/triathlon coach, or aqua fitness instructor.
Have questions? Our aquatics staff is here to support and guide you through the application and certification (if needed) process! Contact 414-647-6075 or email: Denzel [at] mkerec.net. (When emailing our staff, please replace the "[at]" with a traditional "@" symbol. Ex: [email protected])
Lifeguards
Lifeguards are responsible for providing a safe and fun environment for all patrons by remaining vigilant and enforcing all pool rules fairly and consistently. Staff may also be asked to assist instructors during lessons so long as they remain within the pool area and do not deter from maintaining surveillance of patrons in the facility.
Starting Pay: $18-19 per hour
- Working hours can be scheduled around school hours and extracurricular activities.
- Opportunities for raises, further training, and advancement.
- Milwaukee Recreation has highly competitive rates for lifeguards compared to others in the area.
Training for Certification
Lifeguard training costs vary depending on if you are a resident or non-resident. If cost is a barrier, please reach out to our staff!
Skills to be tested:
- Swim 150 yards (breaststroke and/or front crawl without flip turns), then tread water without using your arms or hands for two minutes, followed by a 50-yard swim
- Retrieve a 10-pound weight from 10-12 feet of water and return it to the surface within 1 minute and 40 seconds.
Please note: training costs are reimbursed if the pre-test is not passed.
Swim Instructors
Swim instructors are responsible for providing a safe and friendly aquatics learning experience for students of all ages and abilities. Instructors should maintain a positive and responsible demeanor at all times, and creatively engage students to share a passion for water. Milwaukee Recreation is a proud authorized provider for the American Red Cross (ARC), and the ARC Learn to Swim program is the national curriculum used for lessons.
Starting Pay: $20 per hour
- Opportunities exist for raises, further training, and advancement.
- Working hours can be scheduled around school hours and extracurricular activities.
Training for Certification
If you are interested in becoming a water safety instructor, you can register for the training here. The course costs $160 for city of Milwaukee residents ($240 for non-residents), but it is completely free if you commit to working as a swim instructor with Milwaukee Recreation.
To be eligible for the course, candidates must:
- Attend a pre-course session to demonstrate swimming competency in six strokes: Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Breaststroke, Sidestroke, Elementary Backstroke and Butterfly. 25 yards of each stroke to be demonstrated.
- The pre-course session is approximately one hour. If this pre-course session does not fit your schedule, an alternate day and time can be arranged by appointment. If you do not successfully complete the pretest, you will be issued a FULL REFUND.
Blended Learning Option:
- Complete up to nine hours of online learning before the first in-water course date. Provide proof of completion with either a screen shot or a printed certificate.
- All three course dates are mandatory without exception.
Instructor-Led Learning Option:
- Complete two hours of online learning before the last class session.
- Attend all in-person class sessions.
The type of course offered may change season to season. Please see the registration description for details.
Swim Coaches
Swim coaches provide safe, competitive experiences for youth swimmers of all skill levels. Milwaukee Recreation hosts three teams: Piranhas (primary location: MacDowell), Krakens (primary location: Riverside), and Tidal Waves (primary location: South Division). Seasonal practice times and locations that may vary.
Masters coaches support adults (18+) of all skill levels, from novice fitness swimmers to competitive athletes. Programs emphasize technique and endurance building, with frequent practice times available early mornings, evenings, and Saturdays.
Triathlon coaches support teens and/or adults in developing swimming, biking, and running skills. Programs are available for those looking to stay fit, prepare for their first race, or train for upcoming competitive events.
We are looking for a positive, professional coach with a fun, supportive, and inclusive approach to challenging swimmers. Prior experience in competitive coaching or swimming, or as a certified swim instructor, is highly recommended.
Starting Pay: $21 per hour (head coach), $18 per hour (assistant coach), $18 per hour (Masters/triathlon coach)
Aqua Fitness Instructors
Are you a fitness enthusiast? You can be compensated to get your workout in! Milwaukee Recreation hosts an Aqua Fitness Workshop to train new Fitness Leaders each spring. Once this training is completed you will be eligible to join our Aqua Fitness Apprenticeship program. After a season shadowing an experienced instructor, you will be eligible to lead your own class.
Milwaukee Recreation currently hosts over a dozen different Aqua Fitness formats. There’s space for everyone. Instructors need not be swimmers but should be comfortable in the water.
Starting Pay: $22 per hour